Happy Birthday Preston Bypass

[coupe deville]

The first motorway in the UK is 50 years old today
Opened on 5th December 1958 by PM of the day Harold Macmillan
Just over 8 miles long and 22 bridges had to be built.
No hard shoulder
No central barrier
No speed limit
It was the first time that most drivers had the chance to see what their cars were capable of and there were quite a few accidents and breakdowns. Tyres, brakes, and suspensions were generally crap so not suprising really. I remember being taken on a day out just to travel the length of the motorway in a Ford Popular van. I think we reached about 65 mph, very exciting in those days for a 7 year old.

 

[Mudster]

I have memories of a screaming Datsun 100A as it approached 100mph...it was a white knuckle ride....

How things have changed...

 

[Mactech]

I have memories of approaching 80mph as a very young lad with his father in a 100E Ford within days of the opening of the the Preston Bypass. 80mph is just another number on the speedo now.....
And about half the top speed of either my car or bike

 

[kjay]

I saw the film of the Preston bypass on it's opening on the news tonight.
Then they cut to a shot of the present M/way congestion.

Really makes you wonder where we'll be in another 50 years??

.